IPOA to forward file on conduct of police officers during protests to ODPP
The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) will forward all the findings of ongoing investigations into the conduct of police officers during the anti-finance bill mass demonstrations to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for action.
IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori says the arrests and arraignment in court of police officers suspected of having shot at protesters are subject to the conclusion of the probe whose file be delivered to the ODPP which is mandated to make decision to charge.
Makori confirmed that the authority is investigating 39 deaths, 150 injuries, and 7 abductions across the country.
According to the IPOA Chairperson, a total of 11 Kenyans have so far been confirmed to have been killed during the deadly protests within the Nairobi CBD and Parliament buildings on the 25th of June 2024.
She says IPOA has been able to record statements including critical witness accounts in relation to the fatal shooting of protesters both in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
She further disclosed that summons have been issued to police officers suspected to have fired at protesters.
“IPOA assures Kenyans and the police of its commitment to continue monitoring and documenting how the police conduct themselves during these and future demonstrations in line with its mandate,” said Makori in a statement
She said the authority is also documenting the destruction of both private and public property during the protests with a view to assessing the police policing standards.
Besides the police, Makori indicated that IPOA will also oversight KDF officers who have so far been deployed to assist in the restoration and maintenance of law and order.
“IPOA remains independent, impartial, fair, and apolitical in all its investigations,” she said
